Frequently Asked Questions
Faq category view

Money and Credit Cards

What currency can we use in New Zealand?

Only New Zealand dollars are legal tender in New Zealand. All our prices include GST, goods and services tax (or sales taxes).

In the major cities some stores may choose to provide pricing in other currencies and you may be given the opportunity to pay in your own currency via a credit card transaction.

Where should I convert money to New Zealand dollars?

We recommend converting your foreign currency at any branch of our large bank chains. Our five major banks are: ANZ, ASB, Westpac, BNZ and Kiwibank.

There are bank branches in almost every town but not note that most are only open Monday - Friday.

The rate offered by banks does not vary at different locations so changing money at the airport banks is the same rate as changing downtown Auckland.

Can I use credit cards in New Zealand?

Yes, credit and debit cards are a widely accepted form of payment in New Zealand for purchase at shops, restaurants, petrol stations and many more.

There is no need to carry around a large amount of cash as you will be able to use the wide number of ATM's to make cash withdraws using your credit and debit cards. Although New Zealand is a safe country, there is little need to have more than NZ$200 on you at one time.

You may wish to talk to your bank at home to order some NZ dollars for spending here, as this is a great way to familiarise yourself with what the New Zealand cash looks like and ensures you can have ease of making purchases as soon as you step off the plane.

Visa and MasterCard providers are the most commonly accepted. American Express and Diners Cards are not accepted in many places so its best to arrange an alternative card if this is all you have.

Before you travel to New Zealand you should notify your credit card issuer so that they can identify you will be making transactions in New Zealand and chat with them about the best way for your spending in New Zealand, to avoid any security issues or to minimise overseas transaction charges.

What currency can we use in Australia?

Only Australian dollars are legal tender in Australia. All our prices include GST, goods and services tax (or sales taxes). Fees may be tacked on by banks when withdrawing funds at an ATM from an international account. Check with your bank before you leave home.

In the major cities some stores may choose to provide pricing in other currencies and you may be given the opportunity to pay in your own currency via a credit card transaction.

Can I use credit cards in Australia?

Yes, credit and debit cards are a widely accepted form of payment in Australia for purchase at shops, restaurants, petrol stations and many more.

There is no need to carry around a large amount of cash as you will be able to use the wide number of ATM's to make cash withdraws using your credit and debit cards. Although Australia is a safe country, there is little need to have more than AUD$200 on you at one time.

You may wish to talk to your bank at home to order some Australian dollars for spending here, as this is a great way to familiarise yourself with what the Australian cash looks like and ensures you can have ease of making purchases as soon as you step off the plane.

Visa and MasterCard providers are the most commonly accepted. American Express and Diners Cards are not accepted in many places so its best to arrange an alternative card if this is all you have.

Before you travel to Australia you should notify your credit card issuer so that they can identify you will be making transactions in Australia and chat with them about the best way for your spending in Australia, to avoid any security issues or to minimise overseas transaction charges.

Other categories of frequently asked questions:

Pure Journeys Travel Blogs
Detailed information from our experts

We have helped hundreds of travellers make travel dreams come true over the last 15 years. Pure Journeys connects international travellers with the very best of Australia and New Zealand. If you aren't familiar with what's on offer here then you can read our blogs for inspiration and travel ideas.
Then once you've done your research get in touch with your wishlist and we will customise an itinerary just for you!

Menu blog
Melbourne Laneways, Victoria
Top 10 Things To Do In Melbourne City
Uluru Northern Territory Australia
How long do you need for an Australian Holiday?
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Best day trips in Sydney
Great Ocean Road
Best tips to travelling the Great Ocean Road
Top 5 places to visit in Queensland
Kangaroo island
All you need to know when travelling Australia
Snorkeller at the Great Barrier Reef
How to visit the Great Barrier Reef
The 3 Best Sydney Beaches
Uluru Northern Territory Australia
Ideas on how to visit Uluru (Ayers Rock)
What to do in Sydney
The best vineyards on Waiheke Island
Blanket Bay Lodge
Best Luxury Lodges, South Island, New Zealand
Auckland View
Auckland's Best Day Trips
Sydney's best luxury Hotels
Cheers at sunset
Top 5 Craft Beer Spots in Queenstown
Coromandel Cathedral Cove
48 hours in the Coromandel
Driving with kids on your New Zealand road trip
Coins falling out of jar
Money, Money, Money
Doubtful Sound
Don’t be doubtful, visit Doubtful!
Interislander Ferry travelling the Cook Strait
Ferries and travel between the North and South Islands
Get your culture fix at these Wellington galleries and museums
Tasman Glacier Lake, Mt Cook
Discover the icy secrets of Mt Cook National Park's glaciers and ice bergs
Walking amongst the fern
Discover the best hikes in Central Otago
Sydney or Melbourne?
Sydney or Melbourne?
A Guide to New Zealand Passports & Visas Requirements Visitors
View over the mountains lakes
Off the beaten track: Best places in New Zealand
Gisborne
Scenic drives in New Zealand: The East Cape Road
Fox Glacier
We compare: Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier
Mt Cook
9 ‘must see’ attractions in New Zealand’s South Island
That Wanaka Tree
Scenic drives in New Zealand: Franz Josef to Wanaka
Couple in Hawea
A kiwi romance: the best places to visit on your New Zealand honeymoon
Milford Track
Follow in the footsteps of Pete & his dragon through New Zealand
Milford Sound
We compare: Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound?
View of Mt Cook
The top 5 South Island Itineraries
Top tips for long haul flights
Long Haul Flight Essentials: Fly to New Zealand & Arrive Ready to Enjoy Your Trip
Roll Packing
Taking a trip to New Zealand? Here’s eight top tips to help you pack.
Wine tasting
Our Pick: Top five New Zealand wineries
Road to Te Anau
Travelling to New Zealand? Here is why you should do a self-drive tour
Hobbiton
Discover: Five of the best Lord or the Rings locations
Wine Barrels in cellar
New Zealand Cuisine: A unique fresh food culture
Cape Reinga
Spotlight on: The Winterless North
Autumn leaves in Wanaka
7 Reasons Planning an Autumn Trip to New Zealand is a Great Idea
Wai O Tapu
New Zealand Tours | Dont Do Queenstown?
Lady Bowen Falls
New Zealand by Waterfalls: Five must-see aqua attractions
Wine and Cheese at Vineyard
Language
2 of the best free activities in Christchurch
Living Village Maori Hangi
Food and drink you have to try in New Zealand
Storm
Always Take The Weather With You
Milford Sound
Family-friendly Fiordland
Mt Cook
On The Road
The Milky Way over Lake Tekapo
Wonder at the universe in Lake Tekapo
Waiheke Island
Indulge in sumptuous wines on Waiheke Island
Want to see Dunedin’s bird life?
Stretch your legs: The best walks on the North Island
Wairakei golf course
Play golf on one of New Zealand’s most beautiful courses
Nevis Bungy Jump
Top 3 places in New Zealand to go bungy jumping
Bluff your way through oyster tasting in Invercargill
Hikers on the Tongariro Crossing
Tongariro National Park is a hiker’s dreamland
Hobbiton
Hobbiton Movie Set; Where Real-Life Meets Real-Hobbits
Clients enjoying a Tamaki Maori Tour
New Zealand’s Best Culture Holidays